WordLens

needle

1 of 2noun
/ˈnidəl/
Forms:needles
1

a slender, solid, often sharp-pointed instrument used for withdrawing blood samples, injecting medicine, etc.

A needle is a thin and pointed medical tool used to pierce the skin for various purposes, such as injecting medications, drawing blood for tests, or delivering fluids directly into veins or tissues. Needles are typically made of stainless steel and come in different sizes depending on their use. They are essential in medical procedures for giving treatments and getting samples for diagnosing patients, while causing minimal discomfort.

  • The nurse used a needle to administer the vaccine.
  • He felt a slight pinch as the needle entered his arm.
  • The acupuncturist inserted a tiny needle to relieve his back pain.
  • The syringe and needle were disposed of in a medical waste container.
  • They developed a new type of needle that reduces pain during injections.
2

a pine tree's leaf that is thin and hard

C1
  • The forest floor was carpeted with pine needles, creating a soft cushion underfoot.
  • Pine needles are adapted to conserve water, with a waxy coating that helps prevent moisture loss.
  • The pine needles rustled softly in the breeze, filling the air with a fresh, woodsy scent.
  • Botanists study the structure and function of pine needles to understand their role in photosynthesis.
  • Hikers used pine needles to create a makeshift mattress for a comfortable night's sleep in the wilderness.
Synonyms:
3

a slender pointer on an instrument that indicates a measurement or reading

  • The speedometer needle pointed to 60 km/h.
  • The compass needle always points north.
  • The pressure gauge's needle trembled slightly.
  • The thermometer's needle rose as the temperature increased.
  • The voltmeter's needle moved rapidly.
4

a fine pointed stylus that traces grooves in a phonograph or record to produce sound

  • The record player's needle followed the groove precisely.
  • A worn needle can damage vinyl records.
  • He replaced the phonograph needle to improve sound quality.
  • The needle traced the spiral groove of the LP.
  • The needle emitted clear, crackling music.
5

a small, thin tool with a pointed end, used in sewing to connect fabric or other materials together

  • She used a needle to sew the button back on.
  • The needle broke while she was sewing the hem.
  • He threaded the needle carefully before starting the embroidery.
  • The needle is too dull to use for this fabric.
  • She pricked her finger with the needle while mending the clothes.
6

a thin, pointed tool used by hand in activities like knitting, crochet, or lace-making to shape or move thread, yarn, or string

  • She used a large needle for her knitting project.
  • The lace was made using a very fine needle.
  • He dropped his crochet needle under the table.
  • This type of yarn works best with a thicker needle.
  • She bought a new set of crochet needles at the craft store.